How to Spend a Romantic Weekend in Bentota: From River Cruises to Candlelit Dinners

Sitting on the southwest coast, Bentota is one of the most popular beach towns in Sri Lanka. The town is loved by both tourists and locals, and the experience won’t be overly touristy. It’s about 60 kilometres from Colombo, the capital, so getting there is easy as well. With palm tree-strewn beaches, the azure ocean and the promise of adventure and romance, Bentota attracts all kinds of travellers, including couples.

Romantic Dinners 

Sri Lankan food is legendary and is making its way around the world. During your romantic getaway in Bentota, you have the chance to sample delicious Sri Lankan treats in a romantic setting. You can have dinner on the beach with the starry sky above and the soft sand beneath your feet. 

A table for two with candlelight will be set on the beach with your preferred food choices – it could be Sri Lankan or something more familiar to you. Add a bottle of champagne to the mix and, with the tropical beauty surrounding you, you’re in for an experience you’ll never forget.

Spa Treatments 

To feel all loved up and pampered, get a couples’ spa treatment. Some of the best resorts in Bentota offer a range of treatments for wellness‑minded couples. Imagine what it would feel like to have a rejuvenating spa treatment, infused with essential oils and local goodness, all while being surrounded by the tropical beauty of Bentota. 

You can lie side by side while the therapist works their magic on you. Afterwards, treat yourself to a herbal tea as a scrumptious finishing note. What kind of resort should you choose if you want a spa treatment? NH Bentota Ceysands Resort is a popular choice. 

Visit Lunuganga Estate 

The former home of Geoffrey Bawa, Lunuganga Estate, is an epitome of architectural brilliance, and a visit during your romantic getaway is a must. Spanning over 15 acres, with winding paths, lawns, water features and stunning sculptures, the estate sits by Dedduwa Lake. 

To make the most of your time there, join a guided tour. Not sure how to get there? Speak to your hotel – the staff will help you out.

Brief Garden 

Geoffrey Bawa’s brother, Bevis Bawa, was an architectural mastermind too, and it is to him that the credit for creating Brief Garden goes. Visit the garden once and you won’t want to leave – that’s how enchanting it is. With artistic touches, the garden is like a series of pockets of lush greenery connected by walking trails. 

Give yourself enough time to explore. You’ll come across sculptures, ponds and serene corners perfect for couples. The main bungalow is where Bevis Bawa once lived, and it makes the garden feel like one of those 18th‑century estates that belonged to lords and ladies. 

Madu Ganga River Safari 

Does it get any more romantic than a riverboat safari? Not really! During your romantic getaway in Bentota, make sure you have enough time to explore the Madu Ganga on a boat. It’s the best way to experience the region’s natural beauty. 

You can choose a boat ride along the scenic Bentota River or head 19 kilometres away to the stunning Madu Ganga in Balapitiya. It’s almost like discovering a world hidden amidst lush mangroves where exotic wildlife lives. Along the way, you’ll come across a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, water monitors, kingfishers and crocodiles. 

Your tour will also take you to some of the estuary’s islands, including Cinnamon Island, where local families have been growing and harvesting fragrant Ceylon cinnamon for generations. Another popular stop is Koth Duwa Island, which is home to an ancient Buddhist temple.

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

How would you like the opportunity to do something meaningful, something that makes a difference? Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, located just 9 km from Bentota, and you’ll find yourself among sea turtles. It’s a volunteer‑run centre that protects five of the world’s seven sea turtle species. 

You can see turtle eggs, watch tiny hatchlings flapping in tanks and even meet rescued adult turtles being cared for. Depending on the season, you may be able to see turtles trudging up the shore to lay eggs. It’s a beautiful experience you’re unlikely to forget.